Fun run deaths trigger calls for more information about health risks

MARK COLVIN: After the third death in a Perth fun run in as many years, the Australian Medical Association says organisers of similar events should give entrants more information about possible health risks.

This week, two men died after participating in Perth's City to Surf event. The AMA says it's a tragic situation and organisers of all fun run events should take note.

From Perth, Caitlyn Gribbin reports.

CAITLYN GRIBBIN: Sunday's City to Surf event in Perth was supposed to be a day of celebration. Records were broken with more than 48,000 people registering for the event, and nearly $650,000 raised for WA charities.

But, tragedy struck. Two runners have died this week after they collapsed at the end of the race.

RICHARD CHOONG: It's unexpected and a really tragic circumstance to be in.

CAITLYN GRIBBIN: Richard Choong is the president of the Australian Medical Association WA. He says no one can be blamed for the deaths, but organisers of fun run events will be taking note.

RICHARD CHOONG: Fun run is a good initiative, and there’s lots of benefits from it - allowing people to focus on their health and activity levels and getting out there. But what we've also got to realise is the fun run will often represent to most people more exertion than they would normally do.

CAITLYN GRIBBIN: This is the third death at Perth's City to Surf event since 2011.

Dr Choong says he'll write to organisers of fun runs to encourage them to give entrants more information about possible health risks.

The group that organised the Perth event has been contacted to ask if that information was provided, but no response has been given. They have expressed their condolences to the family and friends of the runners.

Dr Choong again.

RICHARD CHOONG: Unfortunately, the biggest risk is what we've seen, is that someone's heart can't take it and they actually die from the level of exertion that they’ve undertaken. That is the most extreme risk that we have. What I want to highlight to our organisers is that you have to actually inform your people that are signing up for this and we should really let them know that before they enter, they should check out their health.

Also, to really remind them that during the event, if they're getting any chest pain or shortness of breath, to stop. These are the things that we want the organisers to highlight to the participants. I think this is something we have to look at with any fun run organisers, and I think all fun run organisers would probably be looking at this event saying "well how we could make ours better and safer."

CAITLYN GRIBBIN: Geoffrey Tofler from Heart Research Australia says there are risks in fun run events.

GEOFFREY TOFLER: I think there is advantage in people being seen by their doctor for a physical examination and assessment because some of the risk factors for heart disease, such as high cholesterol and high blood pressure, may not have any symptoms. So it's important to be evaluated.

CAITLYN GRIBBIN: Who's most at risk of having a heart attack when they're doing that type of exercise?

GEOFFREY TOFLER: It seems that men are at higher risk than women. The age group of around 40 to 60 seems to be associated with a higher risk. In terms of the characteristics of the people, I think it's important that people prepare properly for the event, and also that they don't ignore symptoms that might happen.